Program Overview

BMS314 Bacteriology / Mycology

This subject provides an introduction to, and an overview of, infectious bacteria and fungi, their collection, and diagnosis of infection. Course specific modules are provided. In-depth studies of the infectious bacteria and fungi of selected organ systems are conducted. Practical sessions and case studies simulate 'real life' medical situations in which the student microbiologist is consulted in order to diagnose the aetiological agents of infection.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Biomedical Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

BMS115

Incompatible Subjects

BMS313

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• understand the basic taxonomy of medically significant bacterial and fungal groups and how it is used for diagnosis
• understand the underlying principles of bacterial and fungal genetics, and of antibiotic resistance and spread
• describe the principles behind antibacterial and antifungal chemotherapies
• identify the kinds of bacteria and fungi which cause disease
• describe the principles of diagnosis, specimen collection and specimen quality
• perform competently microbiological techniques for diagnosis of infection
• describe the causative bacterial and fungal pathogens, pathogenesis, epidemiology and clinical signs of diseases affecting the urinary tract, the integument and haematopoietic system, the digestive tract, the respiratory tract, the eye, sexually transmitted diseases, obstetric and perinatal infections, vector borne infections, multisystem zoonoses and the immunocompromised host

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Part 1: The Bacteria and Fungi
  • The bionomical system of classification
  • Cellular organisation and properties of bacteria and fungi
  • Bacterial and fungal genetics
  • Antibacterial and antifungal chemotherapies
• Part 2: Principles of diagnostic bacteriology and mycology
  • Specimen collection, transport and processing
  • Principles behind the diagnosis of infections
• Part 3: Systematic approach to infection
  • Infections of the skin, muscle, joints, bone and haemopoietic system
  • Infections of the eye
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Upper respiratory tract and ear infections
  • Lower respiratory tract infections
  • Infections of the central nervous system
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Obstetric and perinatal infections
  • Vector borne infections and multisystem zoonoses
  • Infections of the immunocompromised host

Residential School

This subject contains a 4-day Compulsory Residential School.